Bute wants Pavlik. (Pavlik/Ward falls through. ESPN CONFIRMED)

Very good fight and better than possible Ward-Pavlik and Froch-Bute fights. I've always thought Pavlik beats Bute and I still do, but its a pretty even match up.

I don't like Ward's injuries and light schedule the last year or two. He's the best fighter in boxing, fights in a deep division, and is at/near his peak, he should be building a serious legacy but injuries are preventing it. I hope this isn't a permanent thing for Ward's career.

 

Far better fight than Pavlik-Ward.

Prior to fighting Froch, I would have picked Bute to badly outclass Pav. Now I see this fight closer to a pick em'.

Hope it happens.

 

I agree with everyone. This will be a very good fight if it happens!

I got Bute winning this, but you never know of course.

 

True... But Bute doesn't go down easy... I give Pavlik a round or three which I could see Bute being in trouble, but never to the point of what you saw against Froch.

Bute knows his mistakes also... he knows the game plan both ways. It's all a matter of coping with his defects.

I really hope this fight happens!

 

This is the perfect fight right now for Pavlik. He can show the world that he's still a threat to anybody at the top of his weight class. I think he has what it takes to put Bute back where Froch had him at.

Can't see Bute taking Pavlik's shots well... especially after what we know now.

 

Much more intriguing fight than the Ward fight although I'd still have Bute favourite.

 

You think **** , u ****ing little sad troll ! :yep:hi:

 

Interesting fight, this. I guess it all depends on which guy has rediscovered more of their magic. Hard to pick at the moment. Serious question marks still surround both. 50/50.

 

I forgot about that happening.

 

A true crossroads fight for both guys. Plenty of questions. Is Pavlik fast enough to hit Bute? Can Bute take the shot if/when it lands? A solid win for the victor, a devastating loss for the loser.

I would love to see this fight. Preferably without Bute's personal referee though.

 

I would be rooting for Pavlik and think he has a decent shot. My quick breakdown:

Footwork: Bute (I'm big on footwork)
Defense: Pavlik
Jab: Pavlik
Body shots: Bute
Chin: Pavlik
Speed: Bute
Power: Pavlik

Bute would try to present angles, bang Kelly's body and slow down his advances. Kelly would try to come forward behind the jab and land a big right. If Kelly can use his left hook to keep Bute from escaping to his right, that is a big boost for Pavlik. If not, Bute can look to avoid Kelly's power hand and bang a stationary body.